Operation Combat To Campus

OP E RAT ION :
C OM BAT TO CAMPUS
Taylor Meade
Danie Minor
Brenna Parker
Nicholas Sewell
Gabrielle Woodard
Kent State University Bateman Blue Team
Timothy Roberts, Faculty Adviser
Jenn McElhatten, Professional Adviser
Table of Contents
Campaign Summary
Executive Summary.....................................................................1
Situation Analysis........................................................................2
Audience Analysis........................................................................3
Secondary..........................................................................3
Primary..............................................................................3
Theme...........................................................................................3
Key Messages...............................................................................3
Research
Secondary Research Highlights ......................................4
Primary Research Highlights...........................................4
Objectives, Strategies, Tactics, and Evaluation..........................5
Conclusion...................................................................................8
Appendix
Budget.......................................................................................A1
Testimonials.............................................................................A2
Recommendations....................................................................A3
Communication Elements.......................................................A4
Flyers/Stickers................................................................A4
Brochure.........................................................................A5
Hotcard/USG Resolution.............................................A6
Website...........................................................................A7
Social Media..................................................................A9
Media Relations......................................................................A10
Additional Tactics...................................................................A11
Website.........................................................................A11
Kent Cares Launch......................................................A12
Twitter Chat................................................................A13
Video Series.................................................................A14
Information Tables......................................................A15
Additional Secondary Research.............................................A16
Media Conatacts....................................................................A26
Sources....................................................................................A27
Additional Primary Research.................................................A28
Obstacles................................................................................ A37
Survey Questions................................................................... A38
Kent State University Student Veterans

Jackson Chiesa, United States Navy
Daniel Henderson, ROTC and Army National Guard
Nathan Kitts, United States Coast Guard
Executive Summary
Bradley Sonny Sonenstein was a student veteran at Kent State University and earned the nickname Sonny
because of his bright personality. He served as an advocate for other student veterans to seek the full use of their GI
Bill benefits and helped his fellow veterans transition from combat
to campus. He did so with a full heart and a compassionate
attitude. For example, Sonny distributed the Veterans Suicide
Hotline number to a fellow student veteran who was suffering from
depression.
In November 2015, Sonny passed by suicide due to a late-onset
mental illness believed to be exasperated by his military experience.
Sonny serves as a great reminder to be an advocate for others and
to be aware of the issues student veterans may face. While some
student veterans may suffer from mental illness, that does not
classify them as broken. The Bateman Blue Team has dedicated
this campaign in Sonnys memory and hopes that no other Kent
State student makes such a tragic choice.
Founded in 2008, Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a nonprofit organization that aims to address the needs and concerns of
American military veterans in higher education. SVAs main focus
is to assist student veterans who use the Post-9/11 GI Bill and to
provide them with information on their GI Bill benefits.
Bradley Sonny Sonenstein
Through focus groups, surveys, and interviews, the Bateman Blue Team found that a number of Kent State student
veterans feel little connection to the university and lack a sense of belonging. Conversely, our research showed that
many Kent State faculty, students, and staff as well as those in the community strongly support student veterans and
want to assist them.
This led the Bateman Blue Team to create the Supporters of Student Veterans of America (SSVA) movement to serve as a
conduit between student veterans and the community. This initiative
seeks to educate students, faculty, and community members about the
Learning of the passing
issues student veterans face during their transition from combat to
campus. The team found through educating supporters about issues
of one of my students at
many student veterans face, the supporters could suggest the services
Hillel (Sonny), I realized
student veterans could take advantage of on and off campus.
The Operation Combat to Campus campaign was aimed to increase
awareness of the needs of student veterans and to improve their
overall college experience both on and off campus. Our team felt
this campaign would honor Sonnys memory.
how important it is to show

support to student veterans.
Alyssa Rothstein
Engagement Associate of Hillel
at Kent State University
OP ERATION COMBAT TO CAMP US
Situation Analysis
Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 to address the needs and concerns
of American military veterans in higher education. SVAs main focus is assisting Post-9/11 veterans and providing
them with information on their GI Bill benefits. Since SVAs founding, 1.2 million veterans have been able to come
home and use their GI Bill educational benefits to pursue a postsecondary degree or certificate. The organization
currently has more than 1,300 chapter affiliates with more than 440,000 members.
After conducting primary research, the Bateman Blue Team discovered that awareness of SVA among Kent State
University student veterans was low. It was observed that fewer than 25 percent of student veterans on the Kent
campus were aware of SVA and its benefits prior to the campaign, according to a pre-campaign online survey
conducted by the team.
Student veterans at Kent State are considered non-traditional students because many are older than traditional
students, most commute to the university, and a number of student veterans have families to support. The Kent
State Center for Adult and Veterans Services (CAVS) handles many of the financial and academic needs of student
veterans. Dawn Plug, the assistant director for CAVS, is also Kent States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
certifying official. Every college campus is required to have a VA certifier who ensures the university is meeting the
requirements for student veterans.
Bateman Blue Teams primary research found student veteran participation rates in on-campus organizations were
very low. The Bateman Blue Team also learned many Kent State students, faculty, and surrounding community
members were not aware of some of the issues student veterans face. These individuals indicated they wanted to
help student veterans but were not aware of how they could help. Awareness of SVA and its services was low among
student veterans and community members surveyed and interviewed. As a result, the team decided to create a
community movement called the Supporters of Student Veterans of America (SSVA).
The Bateman Blue Team created the SSVA movement to support the needs of all student veterans, increase awareness of
the many issues student veterans face, and explain how community members can help. Through the SSVA movement,
the Bateman Blue Team wants to decrease the perception of the broken veteran. Instead, the team wants to convey
that many student veterans are proud and hard-working individuals who are dedicated to their studies.
In addition, SSVA provides supporters of student veterans with information and resources needed to educate them
about the needs of student veterans. The SSVA website contains a video series telling the stories of Kent State student
veterans to dispel the misconception of the broken veteran as well as an online pledge for community members to
document their support of student veterans.
Finally, the Bateman Blue Team developed SSVA to create a welcoming environment for all Kent State student
veterans with the help of traditional students, faculty, administration, and community members. These individuals
will become aware of the best practices for approaching and helping student veterans who are facing transition
difficulties. The SSVA movement will also provide student veterans and their families with the information they
need about their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and increase awareness of the Student Veterans of America organization.
Audience Analysis
Secondary
The Bateman Blue Teams campaign plan is targeted to veterans and family members of veterans who have used their
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits since the program became law in August 2009. Because SVAs main focus is on student
veterans and family members who use their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, these individuals are more likely to use SVA
and its services.
Primary
Research conducted by the Bateman Blue Team identified military employers, community veterans, government
officials, Kent State faculty, media, and other veterans service organizations as secondary publics for this campaign.
These individuals are important to the success of this campaign because they are key influencers for student veterans
and their family members. To increase awareness of the needs of student veterans and SVA, the Bateman Blue Team
has targeted these individuals to help promote the campaign and ensure its success.
Theme
The Bateman Blue Team developed the Operation Combat to Campus campaign to support the transition of
student veterans from active duty to the classroom. The theme encourages traditional students, faculty, staff, and
community members to recognize their role in a student veterans transition to campus life and informs them of the
ways they can play a part in assisting these individuals.
Key Messages
1. The Supporters of Student Veterans of America is a movement to help increase awareness of student veterans and
their needs.
2. The majority of student veterans do not suffer from PTSD and seek to be treated as traditional college students.
3. Kent State student veterans and their families have resources on campus to assist them with obtaining additional
information on their GI Bill benefits.
4. Student Veterans of America is a great resource for veterans to find career assistance and help to transition to campus life.
5. By knowing about resources for student veterans, anyone in the community can assist a student veteran with their
college experience.
Brenna Parker, Taylor Meade, Gabrielle Woodard, Danie Minor, and Nicholas Sewell
Secondary Research Highlights

of American military veterans in higher education. After troops began arriving home from Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, veterans were in need of proper support services for higher education and a
better understanding of their GI Bill benefits. SVAs main focus is on post-9/11 veterans and providing them with
information on their GI Bill benefits.
Additionally, the team researched other student veterans organizations to discover ways SVA could improve its
support of student veterans. Secondary research provided the team with a clear description of SVA in order to
develop key publics for the campaign. Please see our complete secondary research on page A16.
Primary Research Highlights

Online Surveys
The Bateman Blue Team conducted two separate online surveys for Kent State student veterans and community
members. One-hundred fifteen student veterans and 275 community members were surveyed. Key findings from the
online survey include:
Ninety-eight percent of student veterans were aware of GI Bill benefits.
A majority of student veterans were unaware of SVA.
Seventy-four percent were not involved in any student veteran organizations.
Community members indicated they would like to be educated about PTSD, student veteran transitioning
issues, and veteran resources on and off campus.
Focus Groups
The Bateman Blue Team conducted a total of three focus groups. One focus group was held with Kent State student
veterans and two were conducted with traditional Kent State students.
Traditional Students Key Takeaways:
Participants were confused about the true definition of a student veteran.
All participants indicated they believe a support group consisting of college students and community
members would be helpful for student veterans.
Student participants indicated they did not feel they could provide help or support of any kind to student
veterans because they were unaware of military experiences. But they said they would be able to provide
support if they were more educated about student veterans and their experiences and needs.
Student Veterans Key Takeaways
All participants expressed they feel disconnected from other traditional students.
All participants indicated they do not feel connected to the university as a whole.
All participants praised Kent States efforts to ensure student veterans properly receive their GI Bill benefits.
Student Veterans Interviews

The Bateman Blue Team interviewed five student veterans in order to better understand their needs. The team
discovered these individuals have a difficult time relating to traditional students. Each individual interviewed
indicated they were not aware of SVA. Once the organization was explained, those interviewed were not interested in
bringing an SVA chapter to main campus because they felt the services provided by the Kent State Center for Adult
& Veterans Services and the Kent State Veterans Club covered their needs. Please see the complete primary research
report on page A28.
Objectives, Strategies, Tactics, and Evaluation

OBJECTIVE ONE: To launch the SSVA movement and drive awareness of the initiative so that at least 500
Kent State students and surrounding community members take the SSVA pledge by March 15, 2016.
Strategy One: Inform Kent State University students, faculty, and staff about the SSVA movement using digital,
social, and face-to-face communication.
Rationale: In order to increase awareness of the SSVA movement, these individuals must be informed about the
initiative, which will result in its success.
Tactic: The Bateman Blue Team created an SSVA website to serve as a resource for students, faculty, staff,
community veterans, and community members to support student veterans and learn about their issues. The
website contained educational materials about GI Bill benefits, student veterans issues, and SVA. The website
also encouraged community members to take The Pledge to Support Student Veterans. By making this pledge,
the individual committed to helping student veterans by educating them about resources they may not be
aware of to help improve their college experience. The pledge taker also committed to helping student veterans
experience a better transition to college life.
Result: The website received a total of 3,311 views throughout the campaign and averaged 24 unique visitors
and 219 unique page views.
Tactic: Attend general meetings of on-campus student organizations to encourage members of the organizations
to take The Pledge to Support Student Veterans.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team attended general meetings of five Kent State student organizations. The team gave
a five-minute presentation to educate the members of these organizations on the needs of student veterans SVA.
Tactic: Lobby Kent State Undergraduate Student Government (USG) to pass a resolution supporting student veterans.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team collaborated with a senator-at-large from USG to create a proposal to support
student veterans. The resolution was unanimously passed by USG, albeit on March 30, 2016.
Strategy Two: Use guerrilla tactics to engage students, faculty, staff, and community members in face-to-face
promotion of SSVA.
Rationale: The Bateman Blue Team discovered many of those both on campus and in the community are unaware
of what challenges and opportunities that student veterans deal with after returning from active duty.
Tactic: Pass out hotcards and brochures to traditional students and community members to encourage these
individuals to visit the SSVA website and social channels and take the pledge to support student veterans.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team tabled at the Kent State Student Center on six occasions and at one Kent State
mens basketball game. The team also attended two different special events on campus to pass out hotcards and
brochures. The team also spoke to a Kent State First Year Experience class to discuss SVA.
Strategy Three: Use online communication to generate awareness of GI Bill benefits among student veterans and
their families.
Rationale: The Bateman Blue Team discovered through research that many student veterans used Kent States
Center for Adult and Veterans Services to help them receive their GI Bill benefits. The team also learned many
student veterans had misconceptions about their GI Bill benefits and related issues.
Tactic: Create a video to increase awareness of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and how student veterans can receive their benefits.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team created a video that was posted on the SSVA website featuring an interview with Dawn
Plug, the VA certifier at Kent State. Plug addressed the unique GI Bill benefits student veterans can receive.
Tactic: Create a video to be posted on the SSVA website featuring community members giving testimonials
about how and why they support student veterans.
Result: The video took a unique approach by showcasing community members who support student veterans
including significant others, Kent State faculty and staff, and university executives who support student
veterans. Interviewees were challenged to think of a way they support student veterans. Faculty and staff
members were asked how they identify student veterans and how they support them academically.
Evaluation: The team measured the success of this objective by monitoring how many pledges were received
throughout implementation. The objective was exceeded by 105.4 percent, as the team received a total of 527 pledges
by March 15, 2016
OBJECTIVE TWO: To inform 500 people in Portage County and the surrounding communities about SVA
and its benefits by March 15, 2016.
Strategy One: Create educational materials for Kent State students and the surrounding community to be
disseminated at events and meetings on and off campus.
Rationale: Research conducted by the Bateman Blue Team indicated that many student veterans and community
members were unaware of SVA. As a result, educational materials were distributed to increase awareness of the
organization among the university and community.
Tactic: Create an SSVA brochure with information about both the SSVA movement and SVA and what the
organization does for student veterans.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team passed out a brochure featuring information about SVA and the services it offers
to students on campus and around the Portage County area throughout the implementation of the campaign.
Tactic: Educate students about SSVA through the creation of promotional materials.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team set up a booth on six different occasions in the Kent State Student Center to
educate student veterans about SVA and its services. Educational materials were provided for students to take
with them and learn more about the organization.
Strategy Two: Inform Kent State students, faculty, and staff of the complex identities of student veterans using
online and social media communication.
Rationale: Bateman Blue found in surveys that many students, faculty, and staff at Kent State University are
unaware of the unique concerns and problems that impact student veterans.
Tactic: Launch SSVA social media accounts across multiple platforms and create daily posts about the SSVA
movement and SVA.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team created Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts and created posts
about the services SVA offers and how SSVA can further support student veterans. The accounts also encouraged
followers to ask questions and address any concerns they may have regarding student veterans.
Evaluation: Success of this objective was measured by the pledge analytics, Facebook analytics using locations,
and counting face-to-face interactions to see how many people in the Portage County area were informed about
SVA. The Bateman Blue Team exceeded its objective of informing 500 people in the Portage County area by 135.8
percent, as 679 people were informed.
OBJECTIVE THREE: To create a more welcoming environment for Kent State student veterans and their
families by hosting two community events and implementing the Kent Cares program by March 15, 2016.
Strategy One: Inform students, faculty, and staff at Kent State University about the needs of student veterans using
online, social, and face-to-face communication.
Rationale: The Bateman Blue Team discovered many members of the Kent State community were aware of the
issues student veterans face, but they did not know how to help with these common problems.
Tactic: Create a program involving the assistance of local businesses to provide a more welcoming environment
for Kent State student veterans.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team implemented the Kent Cares program. This program involved businesses in
downtown Kent committing to support student veterans by promising to create a veteran-friendly environment.
The businesses displayed a sticker on their buildings front window stating Kent Cares: We Support Student
Veterans of America. Six local businesses agreed to join the program.
Tactic: Create content to distribute to local media outlets to increase awareness of the Kent Cares program.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team developed a press release explaining the launch of the Kent Cares program and
sent it to local media outlets. The team was also interviewed by Kent States Her Campus and the Kent Stater to
produce articles.
Tactic: Hold an event at a local business where student veterans can receive a discount and enjoy a welcoming environment.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team coordinated an event with Tree City Coffee & Pastry to launch the Kent Cares
program in downtown Kent, Ohio, on March 3, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. At this event, those with military IDs
received a 20 percent discount on their purchases.
Strategy Two: Develop a continuing special event for student veterans to feel more included on campus.
Rationale: The Bateman Blue Team discovered a majority of Kent State student veterans were aware of practices that
other universities implemented to support student veterans and were disappointed Kent State did not incorporate
any of these initiatives.
Tactic: Implement a special student veterans seating section at Kent State athletic events.
Result: The team worked with Kent State Deputy Athletic Director Casey Cegles to create a special student
veteran seating section at Kent State football and mens basketball games. Cegles was open to the idea and is
currently working with the athletic department to implement this new section. However, the section was not
confirmed by March 15, 2016.
Strategy Three: Inform students, faculty, and staff at Kent State University about the needs of student veterans
using online, social, and face-to-face communication.
Rationale: The team discovered a majority of these individuals were uninformed about student veteran needs and
required more information to eliminate common misconceptions.
Tactic: Host a Twitter Chat to inform community members about SVA and the needs of student veterans.
Result: On March 7, from 9-10 p.m., 11 participants, including the five Bateman Blue Team members, hosted
a Twitter Chat and followed along in a series of eight questions about the perceptions of student veterans. The
team also provided facts about SVA and information about how participants could take the pledge to support
student veterans.
Evaluation: The success of this objective was measured by observing if the team held at least two community
events and launched the Kent Cares program. The Combat to Campus campaign met its objective to create a more
welcoming community for student veterans by hosting two community events. The team held a Twitter Chat and
hosted a Happy Hour event at Tree City Coffee & Pastry in Kent. The team also launched the Kent Cares program
and received pledges from six local businesses.
OBJECTIVE FOUR: To decrease the misconception of the broken veteran by reducing the amount of
individuals on the Kent State University campus and surrounding areas who perceive psychological services
as the main issue for student veterans by 10 percent by March 15, 2016.
Strategy One: Educate students, faculty, and staff at Kent State to dispel the misconception of the broken veteran
using online and social communication.
Rationale: The Bateman Blue Team found through research that many students, faculty, and staff believe that all
veterans suffer from some type of psychological issue. In primary research, Bateman Blue found that many people
believe the biggest service student veterans need is psychological help.
Tactic: Create a series of videos to be posted on the SSVA website explaining Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
and some common misconceptions about this ailment.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team created three two-minute videos explaining PTSD and a number of common
misconceptions. The videos also conveyed that a majority of student veterans do not suffer from this disorder.
Tactic: Create a video featuring a current or former Kent State student veteran.
Result: The Bateman Blue Team created a two-minute video to share Bradley Sonny Sonensteins story. The
Bateman Blue Team filmed the Sonnys Story video to educate students, faculty, and staff about the realities of
PTSD. Sonenstein was a Kent State student veteran who passed by suicide in November 2015. Sonny was an
advocate for student veterans to fight for their GI Bill benefits.
Evaluation: The Bateman Blue Team did not meet its fourth objective of lowering the perception of the broken
veteran by 10 percent. We believe this is because of the media and stigma of PTSD with veterans as was explained
to us by Kent State psychologist Carrie Burta. But we believe significant progress was made. In a pre-campaign
community survey, psychological issues was the top-ranked problem believed to be faced by student veterans. In a
post-campaign community survey, 57 percent of respondents ranked the transition from combat to campus as the
top problem believed to be faced by student veterans.
Conclusion
The Bateman Blue Team was tasked with increasing awareness of
Student Veterans of America and the needs of student veterans. The
teams in-depth primary and secondary research allowed for the
creation of a comprehensive communications plan to reach these goals.
The teams four objectives aimed to obtain at least 500 pledges to
support student veterans, inform 500 people about SVA and its
benefits, launch the Kent Cares program and host two community
events to create a welcoming environment for student veterans. Finally,
the team aimed to decrease the misconception of the broken veteran
by reducing the amount of individuals on the Kent State University campus and surrounding areas who perceive
psychological services as the main issue for student veterans.
The Bateman Blue Team met three of its four objectives and raised awareness of SVA and vastly increased
community support of student veterans. The team believes support for student veterans is extremely important and
agrees that SVA should continue to expand by creating new chapters across the country and helping more student
veterans enjoy their college experience.
Budget
A1
Testimonials
I took the pledge because it is so important to actively show support in this time of
global turmoil for our soldiers, who are not just old and have done time, but for the
ones sitting next to us on the bus or in class.
Olivia Mullen, Senator to the College of Arts and Sciences USG
Learning of the passing of one of my students at Hillel (Sonny), I

realized how important it is to show support to student veterans.
Alyssa Rothstein, Engagement Associate of Hillel at Kent State
I believe its extremely important to support

student veterans. I had a class with a student veteran last semester and he would
always tell me he wishes more students would treat him like a normal person. They
need our support to improve their overall college experience.
Johnathan Ryan, Student
I took the pledge to support student veterans because after dating someone in the
military Ive witnessed the challenges student veterans face and we must give back
to those that have defended our freedom.
Sarah Matthews, Secretary, College Republicans
I took the pledge to support Student Veterans because they have laid so much on
the line for us. Not only as a country but for their families too. Fathers and mothers
leaving loved ones behind for our country to remain and walk in peace. They have
paid a high price and to offer my support seems small in comparison but as we see
more and more vets homeless and begging on our streets, I for one think education
is the way to go. I am in total support of our student vets!
Beth Kaufman, Student Veteran Supporter
A2
Recommendations
Student Veteran Involvement
During the Combat to Campus campaign, the Bateman Blue Team discovered the vast majority of student veterans
on Kent States campus do not participate in extracurricular activities. The Kent State Veterans Club typically does
not see a large turnout for its general meetings
The Bateman Blue Team recommends Student Veterans of America capitalizes on the participation of family
members supporting student veterans in their college experience by incorporating messaging targeted toward family
and friends of student veterans. While it may take a village to raise a child, it takes a university to support a student
veteran. As a result, student veterans will be more inclined to take part in SVA initiatives and on-campus events.
General
Traditional students and student veterans come from different backgrounds and have lived through different life
events, which makes it difficult for student veterans to connect with most students on campus. Through research, the
Bateman Blue Team discovered that student veterans have a different orientation process than traditional students
and may miss some of the information crucial to helping students in the classroom.
Key Messages
Family and Friends
Many student veterans have families of their own, making it difficult to spend time outside of class on campus. It is
important to engage the family and friends of student veterans because they serve as the support group to student
veterans.
Student Organizations
Some student veterans are involved in activities that have nothing to do with the military. Bateman Blue saw success
in reaching out to these groups and explaining to them the importance of sharing their on-campus knowledge
with student veterans. This was also a great opportunity to educate students who surround student veterans.
Social Media Channels

The Bateman Blue Team has decided to keep the Supporters of Student Veterans social media channels open
because of the importance of the movement to continue past implementation. These channels include a Facebook
page, Twitter account, Instagram account, and a website. Although the pages have not been updated since the end
of implementation (March 15), Bateman Blue hopes that continuing to keep the social channels open will encourage
community members to learn about how they can support student veterans.
A3
Communication Elements
Flyers
The Bateman Blue team created a flyer to
promote the special Tree City Coffee &
Pastry happy hour event it hosted. The flyer
featured information about when the event
would be held and that all student veterans
would receive 20 percent off all purchases if
they presented their military ID.
Stickers
Stickers were created to spread awareness of the Kent Cares program.
Members of local businesses were asked to display these stickers on
their front door or window.
A4
esources for
ent veterans
wand, President,
u
der, Faculty Advisor
I Support
Student Veterans
of America
Veteran Services
pport Meetings
ug, Assistant Director and VA
othe, Cincinnati, Cleveland,

yton.
ervices - Psychological Services
nformation please contact:
ent Veterans of America (SSVA)
supportsva.weebly.com/
tactssva@gmail.com
Brochures
The Bateman Blue Team created a brochure to
educate students, faculty, and the surrounding
about the SSVA movement and SVA. The
brochure featured background information
about Bradley Sonny Sonenstein, a former
Kent State student veteran who passed by
suicide in November 2015. The campaign was
dedicated in his memory.
The brochure also featured information about
resources for student veterans on campus, the
SSVA movement, and SVA and the benefits it
provides for student veterans.
Sonnys Story
Kent
Kent State
State University
University lost
lost aa member
member of
of its
its family
family
in
in November
November 2015
2015 when
when graduate
graduate student
student
Bradley
Bradley Sonny
Sonny Sonenstein
Sonenstein died.
died. Sonenstein
Sonenstein
was
was aa student
student veteran
veteran who
who served
served time
time in
in
the
the Air
Air Force
Force and
and was
was using
using his
his Post
Post 9/11
9/11 GI
GI
2016.
2016. Sonny
Sonny was
was highly
highly involved
involved on
on campus
campus in
in
organizations
organizations such
such as
as Kent
Kent Veterans
Veterans Club
Club and
and
Hillel
Hillel and
and was
was interested
interested in
in educating
educating society
society
about
about nutrition.
nutrition. Sonny
Sonny is
is remembered
remembered for
for his
his
outgoing
outgoing and
and friendly
friendly personality
personality and
and was
was aa
friend
friend to
to everyone
everyone who
who knew
knew him.
him. He
He was
was an
an
advocate
advocate for
for student
student veterans
veterans and
and their
their GI
GI Bill
Bill
I support SVA is dedicated in

sonnys honor
Bradley
Bradley Sonny
Sonny Sonenstein
Sonenstein
Resources for
student veterans
Kent
Kent Veterans
Veterans Club
Club
Student
of
Contact:
Contact: Ryan
Ryan Lewand,
Lewand, President,
President,
rlewand@kent.edu
rlewand@kent.edu
Contact:
Contact: Josh
Josh Rider,
Rider, Faculty
Faculty Advisor
Advisor
jrider@kent.edu
jrider@kent.edu
Center
Center for
for Adult
Adult &
& Veteran
Veteran Services
Services
Offers
Offers Vets4Vets
Vets4Vets Support
Support Meetings
Meetings
Contact:
Contact: Dawn
Dawn Plug,
Plug, Assistant
Assistant Director
Director and
and VA
VA
VA
VA Medical
Medical Centers
Centers
Locations
Locations in
in Chillicothe,
Chillicothe, Cincinnati,
Cincinnati, Cleveland,
Cleveland,
Columbus,
Columbus, and
and Dayton.
Dayton.
SVA
SVA Akron
Akron Chapter
Chapter
Academic
Academic Advising
Advising
University
University Health
Health Services
Services -- Psychological
Psychological Services
Services
For
For more
more information
information please
please contact:
contact:
II Support
Support Student
Student Veterans
Veterans of
of America
America (SSVA)
(SSVA)
http://isupportsva.weebly.com/
http://isupportsva.weebly.com/
contactssva@gmail.com
contactssva@gmail.com
A5
Hotcards
Hotcards were created to increase awareness of the SSVA movement and why and how students, faculty, and
surrounding community members should take the pledge created by the Bateman Blue Team.
How do you get

involved?
What is SSVA?
-Help student veterans with their
transition to college
-Consists of students, faculty, and
community members
-Want to increase awareness of
the needs of student veterans
-Make them feel more welcome
and engaged
We have created a video

series for you to watch that
will take LESS than 15
minutes to complete.
Check out our website:
www.Isupportsva.weebly.com
Connect With Us!

Supporters of Student
Veterans of America
Undergraduate Student Government

(USG) Resolution
Kent State USG passed a resolution supporting
student veterans and the Student Veterans of
America organization. The Bateman Blue Team
collaborated with a senator-at-large from USG
to create a proposal to support student veterans.
The resolution was unanimously passed by USG,
albeit on March 30, 2016.
@Isupportsva
@Isupportsva
Kent State University Undergraduate Student Government

Resolution in Support of Student Veterans
Sponsor: Senator Chernesky

Cosponsor:
Whereas, Kent State University has a sizeable population of students that have served
or are currently serving in the armed forces, and
Whereas, individuals returning from combat may struggle with mental, physical or
emotional difficulties, readjusting to civilian life, or finding employment or
residency, and
Whereas, Undergraduate Student Government values each and every student who has
served or is currently serving in the armed forces for the sacrifice that they have
made for our community and country, and
Whereas, the nationally distinguished efforts made by the Student Veterans of America
organization for veteran welfare are honorable and should be recognized,
Therefore, let it be resolved that the Undergraduate Student Government hereby
supports all student veterans or students currently serving in the armed forces,
and supports any attempt to provide healthcare services, employment or
residential opportunities, and readjustment assistance to these students on
campus and in our community.
A6
Website
A website was created to allow individuals to learn more about the SSVA moment and SVA. The website
(http://isupportsva.weebly.com) also included all of the videos that were required to be viewed before the SSVA
pledge could be taken.
A7
A8
Social Media
The Bateman Blue Team created Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,
and YouTube accounts to increase awareness of both SVA
and the SSVA movement. Posts were created daily to inform
followers about these topics. The team hosted a Twitter chat on
March 7, 2016 using the hashtag #SVAtalk. The chat focused
on providing participants with info about SVA and asking them
how they support student veterans.
Audience Reach
A9
Media Relations
The Bateman Blue Team created a public service announcement that ran on Kent States Black Squirrel Radio
station. The PSA explained the SSVA movement and how listeners could visit the website and take the pledge.
The team also received media coverage about the campaign from Kentwired, Kent States Her Campus, Kent States
College of Communication & Information, and PRSSA Kent. A press release was also pitched to the Akron Beacon
Journal, the Record-Courier, and 89.7 WKSU. The team did not hear back from any of these media outlets prior to
completion of implementation.
A10
Additional Tactics
Supporters of Student Veterans of America Website
The Bateman Blue Team created an interactive website for the SSVA movement. The website was designed to educate
students, faculty members, and community members about SSVA and SVA benefits and services. Through the use
of seven different tabs at the top of the website, viewers were provided with a clear vision of different topics the
Bateman Blue Team found important to educate student veterans and supporters alike. The website features the
pledge to support student veterans, a series of videos educating visitors about issues student veterans face such, and
the local businesses that agreed to participate in the Kent Cares program.
One section of the SSVA website features information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This was a topic the Bateman
Blue Team discovered through research that students, faculty members, and community members were uneducated
about. This section of the website provides background information on how the bill was created, how student
veterans can determine their eligibility, and how they can properly take advantage of the benefits.
The website was created as a source of information to viewers while providing contact information and links to the
SSVA social media outlets. On-campus resources specific to Kent State University are available on the website and
social media platforms are listed for SVA as well.
A11
Kent Cares Launch

The Bateman Blue Team launched the Kent Cares program at Tree City Coffee & Pastry in downtown Kent, Ohio
on March 3, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. At this event, student veterans who presented their military ID received a 20
percent discount on their purchases.
The Kent Cares program was launched to create a more welcoming environment in the downtown Kent area for
student veterans. The Bateman Blue Team visited several businesses in the area and gave managers a letter explaining
the program and why their business should support student veterans. A sticker was also given to these individuals, as
they were encouraged to place the sticker on the front window of their building.
As of March 15, 2016, six Kent businesses agree to join the program. These businesses were: Guys Pizza, Rise &
Shine Cafe, Grazers, Wild Earth Outfitters, Twisted Meltz, and Daves Cosmic Subs.
A12
Student Veterans of America

Twitter Chat
The Bateman Blue Team hosted a Twitter Chat on March 7, 2016 from 9-10 p.m. Participants were encouraged to
follow along by using the hashtag #SVATalk. The Twitter Chat was held to increase awareness of both SVA and
SSVA, while also asking questions to prompt participant perceptions about student veterans.
The Bateman Blue Team asked eight questions throughout the event to get a better idea of how much participants
knew about student veterans and learn how they can better support and welcome student veterans in their
communities. Facts were also presented to participants about SVA and what the organization does for student
veterans across the country.
The team was able to maintain several different conversations with participants through the hashtag. The team was
also able to confirm previous research conducted showing the lack of knowledge about student veterans.
A13
Supporters of Student Veterans of America

Video Series
The Bateman Blue Team created a series of eight videos that were posted on the SSVA website. The main objective of
these videos was to increase awareness of SVA and the needs of student veterans. The series covered four main topics:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Two of the videos featured two members of Kent States University Health Services.
These individuals provided information on the symptoms of PTSD and indicated a majority of student veterans do
not suffer from the ailment. The two members also spoke about University Health Services and how student veterans
who do have psychological issues can seek help.
Bradley Sonny Sonenstein: Two additional videos featured individuals who knew Bradley Sonny Sonenstein,
an Air Force veteran who passed by suicide in November 2015. Sonenstein was very active in the student veteran
community and was an advocate for GI Bill benefits.
Jackson Chiesa, a navy veteran and friend of Sonenstein, and Dawn Plug, Kent States Veteran Affairs Certifier were
featured in the videos. These video were created to increase awareness of the psychological needs of student veterans
and inform supporters about the issues some of these individuals go through.
Supporters of Student Veterans: Another video featured input from the perspective of those who support student
veterans. Cierra Phillips, a Kent State Freshman, spoke of how she supports her boyfriend, a member of the U.S.
Coast Guard. Phillips also provided tips about how
students, faculty, and community members can support
student veterans.
Campus Resources: Plug also spoke about Kent States
Center for Adult & Veteran Services (CAVS). CAVS
provides Kent State student veterans with their VA
certification and academic advising. The department also
provides a number of other services for student veterans.
A14
Informational Tables
The Bateman Blue Team hosted informational tables at Kent State Universitys Student Center and at one Kent State
mens basketball game. The team also held an informational table at a special event held in Allyn Hall on the Kent
State campus. These tables were located in high-traffic areas in each venue.
Hotcards and brochures were present at each informational table so students, faculty, and community members
could visit the table learn more about SVA and the SSVA movement. The team also gave table visitors access to the
SSVA website so they could watch the videos created by the Bateman Blue Team and take the pledge to support
student veterans.
A15
Secondary Research
Client History
of American military veterans in higher education. After troops began arriving home from Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, veterans were in need of proper support services for higher education and
a better understanding of their GI Bill benefits. SVAs main focus is on post-9/11 veterans and providing them
with information on their GI Bill benefits. Through the support
of the SVA organization and with the assistance of success stories
The nations renewed focus
and social media capabilities, student veterans were able to start
on veteran welfare has ignited
on-campus chapters. Since SVAs founding, more than 1.2 million
veterans have been able to come home and use their GI Bill
change on campuses and in
educational benefits to pursue a postsecondary degree or certificate.
While many other veterans support organizations exist, SVA strives
to create unique experiences for participants including national
conferences, community outreach, and professional networking
opportunities. Today, SVA features over 1,200 chapter affiliates
with more than 440,000 members, various non-profit and private
partners, and an increasing amount of programs and services for
veterans. According to SVA, approximately 15 new chapters open on
college campuses across the country every month.
congress. SVA is committed

to capitalizing on this
momentum to ensure todays
and tomorrows veterans are
supported in their transition to
education and employment.
SVA website
General Overview
SVA has envisioned a nation where student veterans succeed in higher education and are able to contribute to society
in a significant manner since its inception. SVA has provided resources and support to execute five major initiatives.
These initiatives are intended to bring veterans closer to their degrees, yet there is little data found about student
veterans academic performance, according to the SVA website. SVA has invested in research to fill the void and
boast student veteran success through the Million Records Project. SVA has fulfilled a commitment to support
chapters through educational workshops, grants, and networking opportunities aimed to facilitate development
of student veteran organizations. SVA believes that a significant component to chapter work is advocating campus
programming and assistance.
Nationally, SVAs vigorous efforts make certain that in-state tuition is not only supportive for veterans in their
transition to civilian life and higher education, but also for those touched by military service such as spouses and
children of veterans. To best serve this large community, SVA has developed partnerships with other organizations to
provide scholarships, mentorships, employment, and benefits counseling. SVAs support continues beyond graduation
and into each student veterans transition into the workplace. Currently, SVA is developing a networking program
that will connect alumni veterans with even more professional opportunities following graduation.
A16
1. Research
Million Records Project
The Million Records Project was created by SVA in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
and the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). The main purpose for the creation of the project was to gain a
better understanding of student veterans graduation rates. SVA also created this program to discover the best
practices for publicizing the academic accomplishments of student veterans. The research program provides data that
anyone from policy makers to community members can use to support student veterans. Prior to the implementation
of the Million Records Project, a number of key weaknesses existed in ongoing federal databases and student veteran
surveys taken nationally, according to a report on the project by SVA.
According to SVAs extensive report on the Million Records Project, the organization gathered 500,000 records
of student veterans who initially used their Montgomery GI Bill benefits between 2002 and 2010 from the VA.
Another 500,000 records were gathered for those who used their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits from 2009 to 2010. SVA
also collected data from the NSC to gather accurate information on higher education program completion rates
among student veterans. By using institutional records, SVA reduced response error and common survey weaknesses.
The project focuses on five vital indicators of the postsecondary academic performance of student veterans:
postsecondary completion, completion of associate degree, completion of baccalaureate degree, initial degree level,
and highest level of education.
Project Results
SVA discovered a number of key results thanks to the efforts of this project. Studies showed that a majority of
student veterans graduate higher education with a degree within four or five years, much like traditional students.
Below are some other key findings of the project, gathered from Million Records Project: Research from Student
Veterans of America.
51.7 percent of the student veterans sampled earned a postsecondary degree or certificate.
79.2 percent were enrolled in a public institution. Another 10.7 percent were in private nonprofit institutions,
and 10.1 percent were enrolled in proprietary schools.
Of those who completed their schooling, 89.7 percent of the student veterans sampled initially earned degrees at
an associate level or higher.
31.3 percent of the sample who initially earned a vocational degree, 35.8 percent who initially earned an
associates degree, and 20.8 percent who initially earned a bachelors degree returned to school to earn a higherlevel degree.
The majority of degrees earned were in public service, business, science, engineering, and health.
Prior to the creation of the Million Records Project, there had not been a program in place to discover the academic
outcomes and progress of student veterans. The project has allowed key decision makers to use data from the report
to drive judgment about how to effectively support student veterans. It has also provided SVA and other veterans
service organizations, including The American Legion, the National Veterans Foundation, and Veterans of Foreign
Wars (VFW), with new data and other information to better promote on behalf of their organization members.
A17
2. Advocacy
Leadership Institute Series
SVA offers a leadership institute series, consisting of an annual leadership event and smaller local summits to bring
emerging chapter leaders together for leadership training, according to the SVA website. This training is aimed to
strengthen the core of SVA. Leaders from any SVA chapter are eligible to apply to attend the institute. According to
the SVA website, attendees will be selected based on a number of criteria to ensure that the diversity of SVAs chapter
network is reflected at the event. The Local Leadership Summits have been regionally focused to teach the strategic
planning process. Multiple attendees from each campus chapter were encouraged to attend, due to content being
geared more toward group work.
Because of SVAs contribution of travel expenses for attendees, space at the SVA Leadership Institute is extremely
limited and therefore the event is by invitation only. SVA has targeted this event to be more exclusive in order to
maintain the best value for their expense and leave sponsors impressed with those chosen. Chapter leaders wishing
to attend this all-expenses-paid program must submit an application, and invitees will be selected from the pool of
applicants to build a well-rounded audience.
Student veteran leaders from any of SVAs 1,200-plus chapters are eligible to apply to attend the institute. Attendees
will be selected based on a number of criterions to ensure the diversity of SVAs chapter network is reflected at the
event. The institute aims to bring student veterans from various forms of institutions of higher education including
well-established and newly created chapters from large and small schools in various regions of the country. General
Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company, will sponsor the 2016 institute. The event will take place
October 16-18 at the Gulfstream Aerospace Facility in Savannah, Ga.
3. Chapter Support
Chapter Success Manual
SVA has provided chapter support by creating three different types of chapter materials. The SVA Chapter Success
Manual is a collection of information from the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University,
SVA, other student veterans organizations, and individual SVA campus chapters. The manual was designed to help
create SVA chapters on campus as well as to expand already existing chapters. The Chapter Fundraising Guide
summarizes SVAs implementation for fundraising at a chapter position. SVA also partnered with Reingold, a
business management consulting firm, to provide outreach materials with registered chapters. According to SVAs
website, with permission, these outreach materials can be distributed via multiple platforms and customized to
promote individual chapters.
4. Alumni Relations
Making Connections
SVA recognizes the importance of student veterans connecting with local student veteran alumni. SVA was created
through the concept of having chapters create a professional network allowing student veterans to connect with
alumni. This platform is designed for mentorship, employment opportunities, and social networking, according to
the SVA website. By 2018, 63 percent of job openings will require employees to have higher education, according to
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. SVA chapters are encouraged to build connections with professional alumni to
bridge this gap between higher education and job opportunities. SVA also encourages building relations with and
having the support of alumni when asking for financial assistance from each universitys alumni relations program
for the SVA National Conference.
A18
5. Strategic Partnerships
Student Veteran Success Corps
SVA has key partners committed to generating the success of student veterans. SVA has gained corporate sponsors
through SVAs Student Veteran Success Corps (SVSC), a coalition acknowledging that student veteran success starts
with postsecondary education. Three of the main SVSC corporate sponsors are Google, Microsoft, and PNC Bank.
SVSC members have made a commitment to target SVA chapters providing employment opportunities for student
veterans. SVA also has foundation founders who donate grants and scholarships toward SVAs mission and services
for student veterans. The Home Depot Foundation and The Ahmanson Foundation are two of the top foundation
funders, according to the SVA website.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
With the rise of student veteran organizations throughout the nation, groups began to support one another and
formalize the creation of SVA as one organization. Six months after the creation of SVA, President George W. Bush
signed the Post-9/11 GI Bill into law. The Post-9/11 GI Bill has allowed student veterans to resume their education,
provided financial support towards tuition and living costs, and also granted the opportunity for veterans to transfer
these benefits to spouses or children, according to Military.com.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides student veterans with up to 36 months of education benefits. These benefits are
payable for 15 years following a veterans release from active duty. To receive these benefits, a veteran must have
served on active duty for 90 or more days following Sept. 11, 2001. Veterans are also eligible if they have been
honorably discharged or have been diagnosed with a service-connected disability. The passing of the Post-9/11 GI
Bill expanded federal tuition support for student veterans and also included support for non-tuition expenses to help
reflect the expanding costs of higher education, according to Military.com.
Benefits under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill must be used for programs offered by schools in the U.S. that are
sanctioned to allocate an associates degree or higher. The GI Bill also offers payment options for housing, books, and
supplies. Student veterans are eligible for up to $1,000 for books and supplies. Housing allowance is based on the
ZIP code of the school that the veteran is enrolled. The allowance is based on a monthly stipend averaging $1,566,
but can exceed $2,700 depending on the school location. Veterans taking 100 percent online courses are eligible for
a monthly housing stipend of $783. SVA has continued to encourage those utilizing Post- 9/11 GI Bill benefits to
seek degrees in higher demanded fields like science to Veterans are also eligible to transfer their GI Bill benefits to
their children or spouses, according to Military.com.
Student Veteran Success Corps

SVA has key partners committed to generating the success of student veterans. SVA has gained corporate sponsors
through SVAs Student Veteran Success Corps (SVSC), a coalition acknowledging that student veteran success starts
with postsecondary education. Three of the main SVSC corporate sponsors are Google, Microsoft, and PNC Bank.
SVSC members have made a commitment to target SVA chapters providing employment opportunities for student
veterans. SVA also has foundation founders who donate grants and scholarships toward SVAs mission and services
for student veterans. The Home Depot Foundation and The Ahmanson Foundation are two of the top foundation
funders, according to the SVA website.
A19
Scholarships
SVA has many sponsored scholarships from organizations such as:
Raytheon SVA Patriot Scholarship: This $10,000 scholarship is awarded to two student veterans who have
previously served in the U.S. Army.
Raytheon SCA Scholarship: This $10,000 scholarship is awarded to five student veterans.
Accenture Student Veterans Scholarship: Four student veterans are awarded with this scholarship, each worth $10,000.
General Dynamics SVA Community College Scholarship: Five students attending community colleges are
awarded $2,000 scholarships.
Google SVA Scholarship: This $10,000 scholarship is awarded to eight student veterans who are pursuing a
degree within the computer science or related fields.
NBCUniversal SVA Scholarship: Two student veterans are awarded with this $12,000 scholarship, and it is
open to all student veterans at any level.
PNC: SVA Serving with Integrity Scholarship: Two student veterans who are pursuing a degree from an
accredited institution of higher education in finance, business administration, or a related field are awarded with
this $10,000 scholarship.
The Walt Disney Company SVA STEM Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to three students who are pursuing a
degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in a STEM field. Each scholarship is worth $10,000.
BP America SVA STEM Scholarship: This $10,000 scholarship is awarded to three students pursuing degrees
in STEM fields.
Other Student Veteran-Focused Organizations

Other national and local student veteran-focused organizations similar to SVA are the Fisher House Foundation, The
Kent State University Center for Adult and Veteran Services, Thanks USA, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society,
and Hope for the Warriors.
Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher founded the Fisher House Foundation in 1990. The foundations primary goal is to
provide a home away from home for families and patients receiving medical care at major military and Veterans
Affairs (VA) medical centers. However, the foundation has also provided more than 7,000 students with a total of
$11 million in scholarships. Scholarships are primarily provided for military spouses and children, according to the
foundations website.
The Kent State University Center for Adult and Veteran Services provides information for student veterans regarding
their GI Bill benefits. The organization also provides student veterans with VA Benefit Certification. The club holds
Vets4Vets support meetings and helps student veterans connect with other adult students on campus. Student
veterans can also receive information on programs, services, and national scholarships. The organization partners
with the Kent State Veterans Club, according to the SVA website.
Rachel and Kelsi Okun founded Thanks USA in 2005. The organization is located in McLean, Va., and its mission
is to provide colleges, technical and vocational schools needs-based scholarships for the children and spouses of
U.S. military personnel. Thanks USA distributes scholarships to children and spouses of active duty U.S. military
members. Thanks USA has awarded more than 3,500 scholarships totaling almost $10 million as of January 2016.
Ninety percent of donations to the organization go toward the scholarship program. National Basketball Association
star Stephen Curry is the national spokesperson for the organization, according to the SVA website.
A20
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society was founded in 1904 in Arlington, Va. The society provides financial
assistance and education to members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. With nearly 250 total offices in the
U.S., the society has provided more than $48 million in interest-free loans and grants to over 100 million military
personnel and their families. Interest free loans and grants are provided to student veterans, which range from $500
to $3,000 per academic year, according to the SVA website.
Hope for the Warriors was founded in 2006 in Annandale, Va. The organization provides education programs and
scholarships for veterans. Its Above & Beyond program provides guidance for veterans pursuing reintegration
in the civilian sector upon return from active duty. Topics covered in the Above & Beyond program include
identifying strengths and skills, practicing networking technique, interview preparation, resume writing, and
creating budget plans, according to the Hope for the Warriors website.
Student Veterans of America Mission Statement

SVA has ensured that student veterans will have success in their transition from combat to higher education through
four focuses:
Developing student on-campus organizations nationwide creating resources and support in transitioning
Development of policies and programming geared toward the betterment of student veterans as individuals
Being an advocate for student veterans in their chapters and as a whole
Targeting resources student veterans may need to obtain higher education degrees
Search Engine Optimization

The Bateman Blue Team used SEMrush, a search engine marketing website, to discover what people are searching
for in relation to student veterans. The most effective keywords have a large amount of average monthly searches and
low to medium competition.
These words can increase traffic to SVAs main website and social media accounts if positioned effectively:
The Bateman Blue Team also used SEMrush to determine which keywords are searched in relation to the keyword
phrases listed above. The results of the five most popular keywords are listed below:
A21
The Bateman Blue Team also used SEMrush to determine which keywords are searched in relation to the keyword
phrases listed above. The results of the five most popular keywords are listed below:
Social Media
SVA has four social media accounts and is active on all the platforms. The following details SVAs use of its social
media accounts:
Facebook
The page had 15,363 likes as of Jan. 24, 2016.
Posts daily about success stories, upcoming events, information on grants and scholarships, and other useful
information for student veterans.
The page has a high engagement rate, as each post receives a decent amount of likes, shares, and/or comments.
Visuals are included in every post.
Twitter
The account had 10,500 followers and 2,299 likes as of Jan. 24, 2016.
SVA generally uses retweets instead of posting original content.
There is a relatively high engagement rate for organic posts.
LinkedIn
SVAs LinkedIn page had 12,983 followers as of Jan. 24, 2016.
The content posted is more news-based, featuring change in leadership
announcements, coverage of the annual SVA National Conference, and
other updates about the organization. Very high engagement rate.
Posts are less frequent compared with SVAs other social media accounts.
Instagram
The account had 540 followers as of Jan. 24, 2016.
Content is similar to what is featured on SVAs Facebook page.
Equal balance of photos and videos.
SVA Chapters in Northeast Ohio

There are currently 10 SVA chapters in Northeast Ohio. Colleges or universities that feature a chapter include the
University of Akron, Youngstown State University, Baldwin-Wallace University, Kent State University at Ashtabula,
Lake Erie College, Lakeland Community College, and John Carroll University. Kent State Universitys main campus
in Kent, Ohio, does not have an SVA chapter.
A22
Kent State University

Full-time enrollment: 30,067 (Fall 2015)
450 student veterans (Fall 2015)
Kent State Student Veterans Data

Kent State has been named a Military-Friendly school for seven consecutive
years. The rating comes from Victory Media, a national publisher focusing on
veterans re-entering the workforce post-combat. Within a Military Friendly
school, they request additional proprietary data to establish an institutions
effort specifically on behalf on military families and veterans. The list of
Military Friendly schools are then compiled through an annual data-driven
survey that allows more than 10,000 schools to have a chance to be given the
title of a Military Friendly school. Schools that take the survey are held to
a higher standard through improved methodology, criteria, and weightings
developed with the assistance of an advisory board.
Kent State University, at

the start of the Spring 2013
semester, had a total of 992
GI Bill recipients enrolled
in classes across its eight
campuses. This enrollment
number increased to 1,020
students in Fall 2013, but
decreased to 936 students
the following spring semester.
Source: Joshua Rider, Director, Kent State Center for Adult and Veteran Services
A23
Source: Joshua Rider, Director, Kent State Center for Adult and Veteran Services
A24
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Broken Veteran

Another goal of the SVA organization is to eliminate the common misconception of the Broken Veteran. SVA
achieves this goal by helping tell the general public about the diverse paths and extensive success stories of hundreds
of student veterans across the country.
Kent State Veterans Programs

Kent State has consistently been recognized as one of the top universities in
the nation for embracing student veterans. G.I. Jobs Magazine has recognized
Kent State as a military-friendly school for the last seven years. The university
offers a variety of programs and services to student veterans. Programs and
services offered include:
Kent State Veterans Club

The Kent State Veterans Club is a student-run organization consisting of
veterans who attend Kent States main campus. The club is mainly focused
on social activities for student veterans and hosts a number of different
fundraisers and other events to raise money for veterans in need and to give
student veterans a place to come together and share their college and military
experiences. The club meets weekly to discuss upcoming events and the clubs
future direction.
Center for Adult & Veteran Services
According to The
Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder Foundation of
America, one in every
three returning veterans
suffers from PTSD.
However, a majority of
veterans do not suffer
from the disorder and
return to live a typical
civilian life.
The Kent State Center for Adult & Veteran Services (CAVS) provides a
number of services to student veterans on the Kent State campus. The center
helps address a number of pre-admission concerns including career guidance,
where to look for financial support through GI Bill benefits, how to effectively manage time and classwork, and
child care concerns. The center is also where student veterans can go to become VA certified in order to receive their
full GI Bill benefits.
Similar Cases
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University (OSU) offers faculty and staff members Veterans On Campus Training. Faculty
and staff members are given the opportunity to talk with three virtual student veterans in an online 30-minute
interactive simulation designed to help educators identify, approach, and provide resources to student veterans if
needed. The goal of this training is to provide staff members the opportunity to learn more about the unique identity
features of student veterans. The program challenges faculty members to think of the unique needs associated with
these student veterans and to explain the scope of student veteran relations with the university.
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) provides information to faculty and staff on the difficulties student veterans face
including symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and social adjustment problems. The university notes these student
veterans are highly resilient to support from teachers. UT reports that as these students return or arrive at school, they
experience additional adversity and frustration as they adjust to the stress and demands of higher education.
A25
Media Contacts
The Kent Stater/Kentwired.com
Rationale: The Kent Stater and its online version, Kentwired.com, are the top student news outlets at the Kent State campus.
The Kent Stater is published three times per week (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) during the Spring 2016 semester.
Editor-in-chief: Emily Mills
Email: emills11@kent.edu
Managing Editor: James Miller
Email: jmill231@kent.edu
Military and Veterans, Adult Services Beat Reporter: Samantha Meisenburg
Email: smeisenb@kent.edu
TV2
Rationale: TV2 is Kent States student-run television station and is available to 7,000 Kent State residents and
25,000 Portage County residents. The station features news, sports, and entertainment showing Monday through
Friday and is also streamed live on TV2KSU.com and all content is posted online free for download.
News Director: Ian Klein
Email: iklein@kent.edu
WKSU-FM
Rationale: WKSU-FM is Kent State Universitys public radio station. The station reaches 20 Ohio counties and
parts of Western Pennsylvania. WKSU features a variety of news and entertainment programs such as Morning
Edition and This American Life.
Program Director: Ele Ellis
Email: ellis@wksu.org
Record-Courier
Rationale: The Record-Courier is a daily newspaper that covers news in the Portage County area. The publication
reaches nearly 100,000 readers and reaches an even wider audience on its website.
Managing Editor: Heather Rainone
Email: hrainone@recordpub.com
Akron Beacon Journal
Rationale: Founded in 1839, The Akron Beacon Journal is Summit Countys largest news operation. The
publication has won a number of awards on the local, state, and national levels thanks to its in-depth reporting
throughout its history.
Managing Editor: Doug Oplinger
Email: doplinger@thebeaconjournal.com
Veteran Resources at Kent State
Dawn Plug
Rationale: Dawn Plug is the assistant director for Kent States Center for Adult and Veteran Services. She is also the
VA certifying official for the university.
Email: dplug@kent.edu
Ryan Lewand
Rationale: Ryan Lewand is the president of the Kent State University Veterans Club.
Email: rlewand@kent.edu
A26
Sources
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp
https://du1ux2871uqvu.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/file/Kent%20Campus%20-%20Fall%2015.pdf
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/history.asp
http://studentveterans.org/
http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill/new-post-911-gi-bill-overview.html
http://www.cnbc.com/2014/11/14/top-10-charities-that-support-veterans.html?slide=11
https://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Documents/Military-Service-Members-and-Veterans-in-Higher-Education.pdf
http://cmhc.utexas.edu/veterans.html
http://cmhc.utexas.edu/staffveterans.html
https://www.fisherhouse.org/
https://www.kent.edu/csi/student-organizations/veterans-club
http://veterans.osu.edu/faculty-and-staff/veterans-on-campus-training/
http://studentveterans.org/index.php/chapter/feat-chap/490-january-california-state-university-northridge
http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/
http://www.thanksusa.org/
http://www.nmcrs.org/
http://www.kent.edu/cavs
http://studentveterans.org/images/Reingold_Materials/mrp/download-materials/mrp_Full_report.pdf
http://studentveterans.org/index.php/aboutus/what-we-do/million-records-project
http://www.wksu.org/
http://www.recordpub.com/
http://www.ohio.com/
https://www.kent.edu/hr/veterans-job-fair
http://www.kent.edu/psych
http://studentveterans.org/index.php/partner-sponsors
http://studentveterans.org/index.php/chapter/chapter-success-manual
http://ptsdusa.org/
A27
Primary Research
Student Veterans Online Survey
A total of 115 Kent State student veterans completed an online benchmark survey created by the Bateman Blue
Team. The following are some key results from the survey:
All Others (6.48%)

National Guard
(18.52%)
Army (30.56%)
Marines (12.96%)
Navy (13.89%)
Air Force (17.59%)
A diverse group of student veterans completed the survey, with participants from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air
Force, Coast Guard, ROTC, and National Guard represented.
Participants identified financial assistance, psychological services, and career guidance as their top specific needs
as a student veteran. Of those surveyed, the most common on-campus resources used were Kent States Center for
Adults & Veteran Services (14) and Kent States various tutoring services (8).
One hundred and twelve of those who took the survey identified that they were aware of their GI Bill benefits. Three
participants identified they were not aware. One hundred and eight of the respondents indicated they use their
benefits, while seven student veterans said they do not use their benefits for school. However, of those surveyed who
indicated they use their GI Bill benefits, 79 percent used the Post-9/11 GI Bill, while 21 percent used a different
form of the bill for education benefits.
Twenty-nine of the 115 student veterans who completed the survey indicated they face or faced problems
transitioning from the military to the classroom. The most common issues identified were adjusting to a slower pace
of life, relating to younger, traditional students, and time management.
The college majors of those surveyed were extremely varied. However, the most common majors identified were
related to aeronautics, psychology, or science. The Bateman Blue Team has included a word cloud of majors listed to
identify the most prominent answers.
Ninety-one of the student veterans surveyed indicated they were not aware of SVA. Twenty-four participants
indicated they had heard of the organization. When asked how they discovered SVA, those surveyed listed word-ofOP ERATION COMBAT TO CAMP US
A28
mouth, online, and through campus resources as the

most common ways.
Of the 115 student veterans who completed the
survey, 73 percent were not involved with student
veterans organizations, 14 percent were involved in
student veteran organizations, and 13 percent were not
involved, but they were interested in joining a student
veteran organization.
Community Members Online Survey

A total of 275 traditional Kent State students and
community members completed an online benchmark
survey created by the Bateman Blue Team. The
following are the results of this survey:
Individuals from a wide variety of regions completed
the survey. The Bateman Blue Team has included a
map displaying where survey participants were from below.
Ninety-three percent of participants indicated they knew a veteran,
while 7 percent did not know a veteran. When participants were asked
if they knew a current student veteran, 35 percent of the 275 individuals
surveyed said they did. Fifty percent indicated they did not know a
current student veteran and 15 percent were unsure if they did.
Ninety-one of the student

veterans surveyed indicated
they were not aware of SVA.
When asked about the needs of student veterans 20 percent of respondents thought the service most needed by
student veterans was psychological services. According to other interviews conducted by the Bateman Blue Team,
this is a misconception. In the teams survey and interviews of student veterans, the biggest needs identified were
adjusting to a slower pace of life, relating to younger students, and time management.
When asked if they would be interested in
taking a pledge to support student veterans, 45
percent of participants were in favor of doing
so, while 18 percent indicated they were not
interested. The other 37 percent of participants
indicated they would need more information
before answering.
Participants were then asked to describe what
topics they would like to be educated on before
taking a pledge to support student veterans. The
most common topics mentioned were PTSD,
transitioning issues, and learning about the
resources student veterans already have in place.
A29
Student Veterans Focus Group

The Bateman Blue Team conducted a focus group with three Kent State student veterans on Jan. 28, 2016. The
team recruited student veterans by reaching out to the Kent State Center for Adult and Veteran Services and the
Kent State Veterans Club. Participants were from the United States Navy, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve
Officers Training Corps.
Focus Group Distribution
100 percent male
Key Takeaways
While the participants indicated they did not enjoy all aspects of their time in the military, they all agreed
they considered their fellow troop members as brothers.
All participants expressed they feel disengaged from other traditional students.
Two participants acknowledged they repeatedly are asked if they have ever killed someone by traditional
Kent State students. Both individuals indicated they feel uncomfortable and annoyed when this happens.
When describing their perfect student veteran organization, desired services mentioned by all three
participants included counseling, financial aid, career guidance, social activities, academic support, and
psychological aid.
All participants indicated they do not feel connected to the university as a whole.
All three participants praised Kent States efforts to ensure student veterans properly receive their GI Bill benefits.
Two participants indicated they enjoyed the structure and pace of the military and had trouble adjusting to
the differences in civilian and college student life.
Key Quotes
(The media) tends to downplay the diversity of PTSD.
Faculty and students need to be more educated about what PTSD is.
(Student veterans) are afraid to socialize with traditional students because they feel like they cant relate to them.
I was here (at Kent State) for an entire semester and was not aware of them (GI Bill benefits).
A30
Traditional College Students Focus Groups

On Jan. 21, 2016 Bateman Blue Team held a focus group with seven traditional Kent State students. The team held
another focus group with two traditional students on Feb. 11, 206 The team recruited full-time students who began
college immediately after high school and lived on or near campus.
Focus Group 1 Distribution
84 percent female
16 percent male
Focus Group 2 Distribution
100 percent male
Kent State gender distribution (according to U.S. News & World Report, 2016)
40.9 percent male
59.1 percent female
Key Takeaways
Participants were confused about the true definition of a student veteran.
Quote from focus
Those interviewed believed most student veterans have a hard time adjusting to
group participant
campus life.
Of the seven participants, only two students knew a student veteran.
All participants indicated they believe a support group consisting of college students and community
members would be helpful for student veterans.
Participants did not have an accurate understanding of how student veterans receive their GI Bill benefits.
Student participants indicated they did not feel they could provide help or support of any kind to student
veterans because they were unaware of military experiences.
However, they said they would be able to provide support if they were more educated about student
veterans and their experiences and needs.
All participants were unaware of any on or off-campus student veteran organizations.
When asked how they would prefer to become more informed of student veterans and their needs,
participants suggested implementing information about these individuals in freshman-level courses, such as
Kent States First Year Experience course, which is required for all incoming freshman students.
Participants concluded PTSD is situational and not all student veterans have the disorder.
Participants said they were concerned about the potential time commitment involved in joining a student
veterans support group.
Most participants stated they believe student veterans are the same as traditional students and do now show
any glaring characteristic differences.
Key Quotes
(Student veterans) are people too. Theyre similar to us.
We just came out of high school, and we come here (to Kent State) and dont realize what theyve (student
veterans) been through.
A31
Interviews with Student Veterans

Ryan Lewand, U.S. Navy, age 24, Senior, Criminology and Justice Major,
Dec. 9, 2015
The Bateman Blue Team met with student veteran Ryan Lewand to gain a better understanding of his experience at
Kent State and to learn about his needs as a student. Lewand is the current president of the Kent State Veterans Club.
He said the club is seen as a source of community for student veterans
who are struggling on campus. However, the club averages just between
Lewand mentioned
five to 10 members attending each weekly meeting. Lewand is currently a
member of the military reserve, and he said many other student veterans
he feels isolated from
join the reserve to receive extra compensation from the government.
campus activities. He also

mentioned he feels he
cannot relate to traditional
students, who are much
younger than he.
Lewand also mentioned he was frustrated by the fact that student

veterans who are planning to take summer courses cannot review
which courses will be offered until the spring semester has started. He
indicated this often makes it difficult for student veterans to map out
the remaining classes they need to take to graduate on time while they
are still receiving their GI Bill benefits. When asked about taking these
summer courses, Lewand said veterans receive expense funds from
the government to cover rent costs while enrolled in classes. The only
stipulation is housing funds are only available to students if they are currently enrolled in classes, which is why many
student veterans take courses during the summer.
Patrick Persinger, U.S. Army, age 27, Senior, Nursing Major,

Dec. 9, 2015
When the Bateman Blue Team asked Persinger about his struggles transitioning to college, he mentioned he was
frustrated when he learned he would have to take freshman-level courses because he could not relate to traditional
freshmen students. Persinger also mentioned he experienced a lapse in time with reimbursement checks with the
university. He then mentioned he was disenrolled from the university for failing to prove he was a student veteran on
campus, and the university did not process his GI Bill benefits. However, Persinger indicated his professors were very
supportive of his needs, which helped improve his experience as a student veteran.
Finally, Persinger explained to the Bateman Blue Team that GI Bill benefits are counted only toward days when
student veterans are actually in class. Weekends, holidays, and school breaks do not contribute toward a students
36 months of benefits. This allowed the team to gain a better understanding of the process to inform other student
veterans and their families who may not be aware of this fact.
A32
Brandon Curby, U.S. Army, age 24, Former Aeronautics Major,

Dec. 9, 2015
When asked about the problems he faced transitioning to college, Curby also mentioned he had trouble connecting
with traditional students, much like the other student veterans interviewed by the team. He also mentioned most
Kent State student veterans have a sour relationship with ROTC students and do not connect with them.
Curby said student veterans receive first priority for scheduling, as they schedule before both Honors and Student
Accessibility Services students. He also mentioned student veterans are given transfer student status and are not able
to participate in welcome weekend activities at Kent State such as the annual Blastoff event held the day before
the fall semester. As a result, these student veterans do not have an opportunity to attend the event and find out
about student organizations and other services they can use during their time at the university.
Curby is not currently a student at Kent State, but he says he plans to return to the university and continue to use his
GI Bill benefits at some point.
Zachary Freeland, U.S. Army, age 27, Senior, Political Science Major,
Jan. 30, 2016
The Bateman Blue Team met with student veteran Zachary Freeland to gain insight on his experience as a student
veteran and his needs. Freeland said he uses the Kent State Center for Adult and Veterans services on a weekly basis.
Freeland indicated that he felt there are several resources on Kent States campus for student veterans, but accessing
those resources can be difficult.
When asked how his experience has been at Kent State, Freeland said he felt it was hard to relate to traditional
students because the military forced him to grow up while other students may not have faced the same experience
in their lives. Freeland was unaware of any student veterans organizations on Kent States campus. When asked
about his experience with Kent State faculty members, Freeland said he believed it would be beneficial for Kent State
professors to attend a workshop to learn more about how to deal with student veterans both in class and out.
Nathan Kitts, U.S. Coast Guard, age 26, Senior,
Religious Studies and Flight Studies Major,
Feb. 2, 2016
When asked about his military experience, Kitts said he does not associate
himself with the military any longer. As a result, he said he does not
understand why student veterans hold on to their military identity.
Kitts mentioned he had an issue with the VA mixing up his first and middle
name on the paperwork. As a result, Kent State was not able to issue him his
payments for his tuition. He also had an issue when the Coast Guard did not
forward his DD214, which is a certificate of release from active duty to the
VA, to the university. He was then forced to take out a student loan because
he was not eligible to receive his GI Bill benefits in time for the start of the
Fall 2015 semester.
Kitts mentioned his

transition back into
school after not being
enrolled for six years
was hard to reconnect
with younger, traditional
students.
A33
Key Finding from Student Veterans Interviews
Student veterans have a difficult time relating to traditional students on campus, especially to freshmen in
their introductory classes.
Student veterans interviewed were not interested in Kent States main campus gaining an SVA chapter
because they felt the services provided by the Kent State Center for Adult & Veterans Services and the Kent
State Veterans Club covered their needs.
National Guard, ROTC members, and reserve officers are involved in student veteran initiatives on campus.
The Kent State Veterans Club suffers from a low participation rate and a lack of awareness from student veterans.
All student veterans interviewed were aware of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Each student veteran interviewed indicated they were not aware of SVA and its services.
The student veterans interviewed said they feel many traditional students believe they suffer from PTSD.
Interviews with Community Veterans

At Kent States annual Veterans Day ceremony, Vets on the Green, on Nov. 10, 2015, the Bateman Blue Team
spoke to two community veterans as well as a member of the Kent State ROTC program. One of the veterans the
team spoke with was a staff member at Kent State, the other was a veteran from the Portage County area, and the
ROTC member was a student. All three were unaware of SVA and its services. After the team described SVA and its
main goals, the two veterans indicated they would be interested in being a part of SVA. The member of ROTC felt
that she would not take advantage of SVA because she indicated she does not consider herself to be a student veteran.
Interviews with Kent State Faculty & Staff

Joshua Rider, Director, Kent State Center for Adult & Veteran Services
The Bateman Blue Team met with Joshua Rider, the director of CAVS on Dec. 4, 2015. Rider informed the
team of the Kent State Veterans Club, a student veteran organization founded in 1944. According to Rider, Kent
State student veterans have a 51 percent four-year graduation rate. This is much higher than the average national
graduation rate of 40 percent.
Rider informed the team that the Kent State Veterans Club aims to improve the graduation rates of student veterans
and works with new veterans on campus. According to Rider, the largest misconception in the campus community
about student veterans is that many of them suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He said the amount
of student veterans who are diagnosed with the disorder is overplayed and misunderstood by traditional students.
Rider said the majority of Kent State student veterans are married with children. He indicated family responsibility
is often underplayed when individuals think of the average veteran. Student veterans feel an on-campus support
system is missing for them because veterans face an unstructured environment in college.
Rider also presented the Bateman Blue Team with data about past and present Kent State student veterans. The data
provided from Rider showed the average age of a Kent State student veteran is 24. Members of the Reserve Officers
Training Corps (ROTC) members are considered veterans if they have been enlisted.
Kent State previously had a group called Students Supporting Active Military Personnel (SSMP). This group
regularly held social events and conducted fundraisers in conjunction with the Kent State Veterans Club. According
to Rider, the majority of Kent State student veterans declare majors related to their past service in the military.
These majors include justice studies, nursing, and aeronautics. Rider said student veterans will typically switch to a
business-related major after one or two years of taking classes.
A34
According to Rider, under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, student veterans are always considered in-state students by public
institutions. Rider said private institutions have a set rate for student veteran GI Bill recipients. One in every five
Kent State GI Bill recipients is dependent on a veteran.
One common issue Rider has found during his time at Kent State is that a large amount of student veterans indicate
they have trouble feeling they belong on campus and that they do not connect with traditional students. Many
student veterans experience trouble in core classes such as English and mathematics because of the lapse in time they
have experienced since completing similar classes in high school. These student veterans require additional tutoring
and academic support, especially in mathematics courses. Rider said it is hard to convince student veterans to go and
seek additional help because they are hesitant to work to with Kent States Student Accessibility Services (SAS).
Dawn Plug, Assistant Director and VA Certifying Official, Kent State Center for Adult & Veteran Services
(CAVS), Dec. 10, 2015
The Bateman Blue Team met with Dawn Plug to learn more about her daily work with student veterans and gain
a better understanding of how student veterans receive financial aid. Plug said student veterans tend to be more
reserved and do not reach out for additional help or clarification from their professors. According to Plug, every
school is required to have a VA certifier. The VA certifier is the contact person when a student veteran or a dependent
is having issues with their GI Bill benefits. Plug also told the team she is the professional adviser for Kent States
Veterans Club.
Plug mentioned Kent State is currently considering bringing an American Legion post to the campus.
However, she said she was hesitant of this idea due to low participation rates among Kent State student
veterans for existing veterans services organizations on campus such as the Kent State Veterans Club.
According to Plug, a majority of current Kent State student veterans chose to serve in the military only to receive their GI
Bill benefits, and she indicated they are not very enthusiastic about getting involved with any on-campus organizations. As
a result, she said the Veterans Club only averages five members in attendance for each weekly meeting.
Dr. Carrie Berta, Kent State University Psychological Services, Jan. 29, 2016
The Bateman Blue Team met with Kent State Psychological Services to gain a better understanding of the complex
nature of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues associated with student veterans.
Dr. Berta is a psychologist who previously advised a student organization consisted of individuals who were
interested in supporting loved ones who were deployed in the military from 2010-2011. The students who initially
created the organization with Berta felt isolated because other students did not identify with the loneliness they felt.
They wanted to create a community support group for other students who were struggling with loved ones overseas.
According to Berta, the group was made up entirely of women.
Berta also reinforced that there is a major disconnect between student veterans and traditional students. Berta said
many individuals develop a perception of the broken veteran because of dramatization in the media. The public
has developed this notion from the media that every veteran returns to civilian life and is diagnosed with PTSD.
Other common misconceptions about veterans are that these individuals are at a high-risk for suicide, have strained
relationships with others, struggle to receive healthcare, or are generally impaired in some other way. Berta also
discussed the difficulties due to the lateness of GI Bill payments toward a student veterans book stipend. As a result
of these late payments, many student veterans are not able to purchase their books on time prior to the semester.
A35
Interviews with Student Veterans Family Members

Amy Bryan, Mother and Wife of Air National Guard Soldiers, Jan. 29, 2016
Amy Bryan said she felt as though many military members will work four to six years and save their GI Bill benefits
until after their service in order to avoid difficulties with classes and duty. Bryan said when students join the regular
military, they can take classes through the College of the Air Force or a local college. However, she said if they are
deployed mid-semester, they will have to restart the class.
Bryans son, Garrick, who attends The Ohio State University, believes there is a small living learning community
there, but feels it was dedicated to servicemen who may have PTSD. Bryan feels that many student veterans who
have seen combat may face PTSD.
Bryan also said the Ohio National Guard pays for eight semesters of schooling, and she feels her son is discouraged
by the possibility of not being able to graduate on time. Bryan indicated she believes many student veterans will need
psychological services upon returning to civilian life due to their experiences overseas. She also indicated she believes
the biggest benefit the National Guard has given her son has been leaving him debt-free.
A36
Obstacles
Obstacle One: The team discovered student veterans often had limited availability outside of their academic
schedules, discouraging the efforts of interaction.
Opportunity: The Bateman Blue Team found value in working with the student veterans availability and focusing
on those who support them. The team was able to create and maintain two-way communication with student
veterans to increase awareness of their GI Bill benefits and SVA.
Obstacle Two: The team discovered a portion of Kent State student veterans no longer had interest in
associating with the military itself or military organizations on and off campus. As a result, they were not
interested in learning about SVA or joining any of these organizations.
Opportunity: By informing these student veterans about SVA and its benefits, they may be more inclined to attend
events the organization holds or apply for its scholarships.
A37
Survey Questions
Student Veterans Survey Questions
1. Do you consider yourself a student veteran?
2. What is your class standing? (Total number of credit hours in parentheses)
3. Which branch did you serve in? (Select all that apply)
Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
Air Force
Coast Guard
ROTC
National Guard
4. What is your major?
5. Are you currently involved with any veteran organizations/clubs on campus?
Yes (Please specify)
No
No, but I am interested in becoming involved
6. Are you a dues-paying member of the Kent State Veterans Club?
7. Did you have any difficulties transitioning to college? If so, please explain.
8. Are you aware of your GI Bill benefits?
9. Do you access GI Bill benefits?
10. If yes, is it the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
11. Why do you or do you not participate in veterans organizations?
12. Would you find a support group consisted of members of the surrounding community aimed to help student
veterans meet their needs useful? Why or why not?
13. Do you use the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for your healthcare needs?
14. What specific needs do you have as a student veteran?
Academic Support
Psychological services and counseling
Community support
Financial assistance
Transitioning from military to college
Career guidance
Healthcare needs
Additional resources (please specify)
15. What specific on-campus resources do you use for assistance? Please list all.
16. Are you aware of SVA?
17. If so, how did you find out about it?
A38
Community Member Online Survey Questions

1. Which best describes you?
High school student
College student
Non-working adult
Working adult
Retired
2. What is your gender?
3. What is your age?
4. Where are you from? (City and State)
5. Are you related to a veteran?
6. Are you a veteran?
7. Do you know a veteran of the military?
8. Are they currently taking classes as a student?
9. What do you think are some specific needs of a student veteran? (Select all that apply)
Academic Support
Psychological services and counseling
Community support
Financial assistance
Transitioning from military to college
Career guidance
Healthcare needs
Additional resources (please specify)
10. Would you be interested in an educational program taking less than 10 minutes of your time about how to
support student veterans?
11. Following this educational program, would you be willing to take a pledge to support student veterans and
connect them with additional resources (these would be mentioned in the program above)?
12. What are some topics that you would want to be educated on in order to take the pledge?
Traditional Students Focus Group Questions
1. Do you know a current or former student veteran?
2. Are you related to them?
3. Are they a friend? If so, how did you meet them?
4. What school do they attend?
5. Do know about any specific veteran related benefits that they may receive?
6. Have you been in class with a student veteran before?
7. Describe what comes to mind when you think of what a student veterans is.
8. What is your favorite social media platform? Why?
9. How often do you use social media?
10. What kind of accounts do you follow on social media besides your friends and family?
11. How often do you think an organization should post on Twitter?
12. Are you involved with any campus activities? If so, which?
13. Why are you involved in those activities?
14. How active are you in that organization?
15. Are you aware of any student veteran organizations on or off campus? If so, which ones?
17. Also if so, are you aware of the services the organization provides for student veterans?
18. What do you think the organization does?
A39
19. As a traditional student, do you feel you would be able to help or support student veterans to on campus
resources that may assist their needs? Why or why not?
20. What if you were more educated about student veterans and their needs through a five-minute tutorial process online?
21. Would you take the community support group pledge?
22. Are you aware of the Student Veterans of America? Otherwise known as SVA? If so, what do you know about
the organization?
23. If you were a student veteran, do you think you would take advantage of the services SVA provides?
Student Veteran Focus Group Questions
1. Which branch of the military were you in?
2. How long were you in the military?
3. Were you deployed? If so, where?
4. What was your favorite aspect of being in the military?
5. Now that you are out, do you still associate yourself with the military?
6. What do you think are some common misconceptions about veterans?
7. Are you active on social media?
8. What is your favorite social media platform? Why?
9. How often do you use social media?
10. What kind of accounts do you follow on social media besides your friends and family? Organization accounts?
Celebrities? Sports teams? Parody accounts?
11. What are you looking for on social media? Do you follow any veteran organization accounts?
12. What student organizations are you aware of that are on campus to help student veterans?
13. How involved are you in these organizations?
14. If youre not involved with an on/off campus organization, do you want to join one, if so, what is preventing you
from joining?
15. Describe your perfect student veteran organization. What services would it feature? How would it help your
student veteran experience?
16. Are you aware of your GI Bill benefits?
17. Do you use them?
18. What problems do you have with the GI Bill benefits? How could it be altered to better meet your needs?
19. Do you feel disengaged from traditional students here at Kent State? If so, why?
20. If you do feel disengaged, what do you think would help you feel more engaged with fellow students?
21. Have you gone to any Kent State events?
22. As a student veteran, how does Kent State work to support you?
23. After you graduate, are you aware of any services of any programs that assist service members, veterans and their
families find meaningful job opportunities?
24. As a student veteran, what do you believe Kent State can be doing that it currently is not to help you with your needs?
25. Are you aware of the Student Veterans of America? Otherwise known as SVA? If so, what do you know about
the organization?
A40
Kent State Center for Adult & Veterans Services Questions

1. What services does the center offer for student veterans?
2. What is the graduation rate of Kent State student veterans?
3. Has there been discussion about bringing an American Legion club to campus?
4. Can you explain more about what American Legion is?
5. Do you keep data on how many veterans graduate?
6. How many veterans are on the Kent State campus?
Kent State Faculty Interview Questions
1.Have you ever had a student veteran in one of your classes?
2. How were you made aware that the student was a veteran?
3. Are you aware of the GI Bill benefits of student veterans?
4. Are you a veteran yourself? Or do you have a spouse who is a veteran?
5. If you are a veteran, has this impacted the way you teach your students?
6. Did this student have any specific issues because he or she was a veteran?
7. What specific needs do you think most student veterans have?
8. If you had a son or daughter that was a student veteran, what resources, would you want a college or university to
provide to them?
9. Are you aware of any organizations on your campus for student veterans? If so, please specify.
Student Veterans Interview Questions
1. What is it like to be a student veteran at Kent State? Have you had a good experience?
2. How often do you use resources such as the Center for Adult & Veterans Services on campus here?
3. What are some services or resources that you think Kent State lacks when it comes to veterans?
4. Do you think your peers understand the various needs of student veterans?
5. Are you aware of or are you a member of any student veterans organizations on or off campus?
6. What are some challenges you think student veterans face?
7. Are you aware of SVA?
8. Do you still associate yourself with the military?
9. What transitioning issues did you face when you returned from active duty?
10. Are you aware of your GI Bill benefits? If so, what do you know?
11. Do you use your GI Bill benefits?
12. If so, is it the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
13. In which branch of the military did you serve?
14. Are you currently involved with any student veterans organizations on or off campus?
15. Why do you think student veterans are so attached to the identity of being a veteran?
16. Have you ever introduced yourself as a student veteran?
A41
Community Veterans Interview Questions

1. What was your branch of service?
2. Are you a student veteran?
3. Have you heard of SVA?
4. Would you take advantage of SVA?
5. If in ROTC, do you consider yourself a veteran? Why or why not?
a. When asked the participant said they would not join SVA because they did not consider themselves a veteran.
Family Members of Veterans Interview Questions
1. What is the impact of being a student veteran on your family members school career?
2. Are you aware of any specific resources available to your family member because they are a student and in the military?
3. Why do you think there is the common misconception of the broken student veteran?
4. Are there any specific needs that your family member has because he is a student and in the military?
5. Have you seen a change in your family member since he joined the military?
6. Does your family member feel that his military experience has separated him from his classmates?
Kent State Career Services Center (CSC) Questions
1. Do you do any specific programming for veterans?
2. For the career fair, do you have transportation for the veterans?
3. What is the general turnout for student veterans events?
4. Has CSC ever considered partnering with the Kent State Veterans Club for events?
5. Are CSCs resume and cover letter drop-in hours available for student veterans?
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OP E RAT ION :

Kent State University Student Veterans

Bradley Sonny Sonenstein

how important it is to show

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Secondary Research Highlights

Primary Research Highlights

Student Veterans Interviews

Objectives, Strategies, Tactics, and Evaluation

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OP ERATION COMBAT TO CAMP US

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Learning of the passing of one of my students at Hillel (Sonny), I

I believe its extremely important to support

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Social Media Channels

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der, Faculty Advisor

ug, Assistant Director and VA

othe, Cincinnati, Cleveland,

ervices - Psychological Services

nformation please contact:

ent Veterans of America (SSVA)

I support SVA is dedicated in

OP ERATION COMBAT TO CAMP US

How do you get

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Undergraduate Student Government

Kent State University Undergraduate Student Government

Sponsor: Senator Chernesky

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Kent Cares Launch

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Student Veterans of America

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Supporters of Student Veterans of America

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congress. SVA is committed

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Student Veteran Success Corps

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Other Student Veteran-Focused Organizations

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Student Veterans of America Mission Statement

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